International Cooperator Terms & Conditions
International Cooperator (IC)
InterExchange is proud to work with International Cooperator (IC) companies and organizations in more than 60 countries. Our IC network represents a cross-section of the most exceptional and trusted companies involved in promoting and recruiting for cultural exchange programs.
Our ICs introduce InterExchange programs to prospective participants in their home countries and emphasize the benefits of spending time in the U.S. to expand participants’ professional and personal experiences. ICs collaborate with us to fulfill the goals of cultural exchange, helping our international participants enjoy learning opportunities in the U.S. while also making it possible for host employers and families to meet and learn about people from all over the world. One of the key responsibilities ICs fulfill is to recruit, pre-screen, and select applicants who meet visa eligibility requirements and are prepared to make the most of the cultural exchange experience when working with host employers, families and host communities.
In addition to supplying ICs with detailed information and guidance for marketing InterExchange programs in their home countries, we also provide content for orientations to teach participants about life in the U.S. and prepare them for adapting to a new culture and country. Each in-bound international participant is interviewed by either InterExchange staff or an IC to evaluate the candidate’s ability to be successful on the program. Every IC plays an important part in making sure all participants are equipped for the benefits as well as the challenges of joining one of our cultural exchange programs.
As stipulated by U.S. Department of State Exchange Visitor Program regulations, we require authentication documents before partnering with a cooperator, including business certificate/registration, background check reports for its administrators, three business references, previous J-1 Visa experience summary, bankruptcy disclosure, copies of advertising materials with translations, and a notarized financial statement. Please read this International Cooperator Handbook carefully as it provides you with all the information you will need for recruiting, interviewing, and placing international students in seasonal jobs in the U.S. and for a successful relationship with InterExchange. Every section contains information, policies, and procedures that you will want to consider. Please contact us if you have any questions.
U.S. Government Regulations
The U.S. government requires all sponsors to have written contracts with their International Cooperators (IC), supported by documentation of business legitimacy. InterExchange will not release DS-2019 Forms to International Cooperators until the contract is signed and all supporting documents have been submitted. The supporting documents should be original and include translations for items not in English. All documentation must be updated annually. These documents include:
A written contract between InterExchange and the International Cooperator, including prices charged by IC and InterExchange.
Proof of business incorporation and current operating license. Agreement to notify InterExchange immediately of any change in legal business status (with translation).
Notarized statement from bank ensuring credit-worthiness of business or financial solvency (with translation).
Admission of any previous bankruptcy and all legal actions pending.
Three references from current business associates or partner organizations (with translation).
Outline of all previous experience conducting J-1 program activity, including names of previous and/or current sponsors in the U.S.
Outline of recruiting methods and copies of advertisements.
Criminal background clearance of responsible officers, which includes employees who administer the Work & Travel program, have access to participant documents and those who contact InterExchange or government agencies regarding the participants.
Detailed price list. The prices should clearly state all fees, including InterExchange, insurance, embassy visa application, SEVIS, and any travel arrangement charges.
Notarized financial statements.
Program Services Provided
Students interested in being sponsored by InterExchange must choose a program option (Job Placement Program, Self-Placement Program) prior to the interview and orientation and will be interviewed for consideration in one program only. Students are not permitted to change their choice of program option after the interview date.
All program options include:
- The DS-2019 Form and the electronic I-901 (SEVIS fee payment receipt of $35 not included), necessary to apply for the J-1 Visa that allows up to four months of work in the United States.
- Handbooks, emergency assistance, and continued support throughout the season.
Services Not Provided by InterExchange
- Travel expenses or arrangements to and from the interview city in the home country
- Airfare to the United States or cost of transportation to the job location
- Cost of accident and sickness insurance
- There will be no refund for any unused portion of the student arrival services
Accident and Sickness Insurance
Participants’ insurance may be arranged through InterExchange for the duration of the program using a reputable insurance provider. More details about the insurance policy are available on our website at Work & Travel USA Insurance.
Job Placement Program
For students who apply and are accepted into our Job Placement program, we send applicants’ information to employers who want to recruit international students. When matching them with potential employers, we consider experience, English skills, preferred job type, and location.
Services provided include:
- Mandatory pre-selection orientation & interview in the student’s home country.
- Access to employer job listings and ability to put application on review with an employer. InterExchange does not guarantee placement, as employer’s hiring decision is based on English level, program dates, participant videos, and overall application.
- Access to InterExchange’s online orientation.
This program requires a high level of commitment, as students will not be allowed to leave or change jobs without InterExchange knowledge and approval.
Make sure students understand the following aspects of the Summer Work Travel program:
The Summer Work Travel program requires that students work during their exchange program. If a student is out of work for an extended period of time, the person’s program will be shortened. Students who are out of work for longer than 10 days must call InterExchange. We will assist students who need help finding work.
Students who do not want to work during their time in the U.S. should not apply to the Summer Work Travel program. They can apply for a tourist visa instead.
Students whose main objective is to make money should not apply to the Summer Work Travel program.
Students are expected to participate in and demonstrate involvement in U.S. cultural and community activities.
Self-Placement Program
For students who have already secured a job offer from an employer in the U.S., InterExchange can serve as the J-1 Visa sponsor through our Self-Placement program. Services provided include:
Mandatory pre-selection orientation & interview in the student’s home country
Vetting and confirmation of all job offers by InterExchange
Orientation and materials given to students before they depart from their home countries
Access to InterExchange’s online orientation
Student Communication With InterExchange
To ensure student safety and regulatory compliance, students must keep in touch with InterExchange throughout the program.
Students must have a valid email address and a secondary means of contact via Skype (or similar instant messaging system).
We verify email addresses prior to departure and participants are responsible for checking their email at least every few days if not daily.
Students must check email and their social media accounts regularly for messages from InterExchange. Students should ensure that emails from InterExchange do not go to their junk email folder.
All students must log into and watch the InterExchange online orientation before a DS-2019 form can be issued.
Students must notify InterExchange immediately if they encounter problems with their jobs, housing, health, safety, or welfare.
Students must check in with InterExchange every 30 days throughout the program. This can be completed online at the InterExchange dashboard, www.InterExchange.org/sevis or calling 1.800.621.1202 only. See the SEVIS section of this handbook for details.
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